Personal Technology: Move to Windows 7 - WSJ.com - The Diigo Meta page

• 06 Aug 09
  

  Graham Perrin

  For Some, Move To Windows 7 Will Be Tough

  Windows XP Windows 7 move upgrade 2009

  • JULY 23, 2009
  • Move To Windows 7 Will Be Tough
  • 31 more annotations...
  • • WALTER S. MOSSBERG
    • the upgrade process will be anything but simple for the huge base of average consumers still using XP
    • frustrating, tedious and labor-intensive
    • the process will be so painful that

    • Windows XP to Windows 7 Upgrade Could Be Trouble

      5:55
    • the easiest solution may be to buy a new PC preloaded with Windows 7
    • that’s the option Microsoft recommends for XP users

      • 

        Graham Perrin on 2009-08-06

        "Direct OEM and retail sales of Windows XP ceased on 30 June 2008. Microsoft continued to sell XP through their System Builder Channel (smaller OEMs who sell assembled computers) until January 31, 2009." — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP
        
        Customers who purchased a new computer with XP, around one year ago, will be steered towards another new computer if they want Windows 7? Not an attractive recommendation.
    • Windows XP users
    • have to wipe out everything on their hard disks in order to install Windows 7
    • the disk-wiping will cause you to lose your current file and folder organization
    • not necessarily your personal data files
    • and all your programs
    • a long, multi-step process, typically requiring the use of an external hard disk
    • all these files will have to be temporarily moved
    • then moved back
    • the pain doesn’t end there
    • re-install all your programs
    • all the software drivers for your printers and other add-on hardware
    • another problem:
    • XP hardware drivers won’t work in Windows 7
    • some netbooks may include obsolete drivers
    • Netbook owners face another problem
    • most of them lack
    • DVD drive, which is needed to run the Windows 7 installation disk
    • “Easy Transfer”

      • 

        Graham Perrin on 2009-08-06

        http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer
    • moving your personal files to an external drive
    • then restoring them
    • won’t transfer your programs
    • if you do own a

    • running Windows XP, you’re likely facing a painful process should you choose to transition it to Windows 7.

      
      
    • capable computer
• 02 Aug 09
  

  Mark Fichman

  windows

• 27 Jul 09
  

  Robert Sutor

  "While this latest operating system stresses simplicity, the upgrade process will be anything but simple for the huge base of average consumers still using XP, who likely outnumber Vista users. It will be frustrating, tedious and labor-intensive."

  OB Microsoft Windows

• 24 Jul 09
  

  rbshocker Bennett

  Computing

  • If you’re an XP user, the disk-wiping will cause you to lose your current file
    and folder organization, and all your programs, though not necessarily your
    personal data files themselves

  • However, in order to preserve these personal files, like documents and
    photos, you will have to undertake a long, multi-step process, typically
    requiring the use of an external hard disk, to which all these files will have
    to be temporarily moved and then moved back.

    
    

    That means you’ll have to buy or borrow an external hard disk, or clean out
    enough room on one you already own, to hold all your files.

    
    

    And the pain doesn’t end there. If you’re an XP user, moving to Windows 7 on
    your current computer means you will also have to re-install all your programs
    and restore all the software drivers for your printers and other add-on
    hardware. That could require locating the original program disks, or downloaded
    program installers, and then re-downloading and re-installing the numerous
    updates that have been issued since these original disks or installers came
    out.

  • 1 more annotations...

  • • Finally, Microsoft officials point out that this XP migration issue may be
      moot for many owners of older XP computers, because their ancient machines lack
      enough memory, hard disk space, or graphics power to accommodate Windows 7
      anyway.

      
      

      And, even if a really old machine is marginally capable of running Windows 7,
      it’s a mistake to try and cram a new OS into it and expect a great
      experience.

Public Stiky Notes

• 
  Graham Perrin on 2009-08-06
  "Direct OEM and retail sales of Windows XP ceased on 30 June 2008. Microsoft continued to sell XP through their System Builder Channel (smaller OEMs who sell assembled computers) until January 31, 2009." — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP
  
  Customers who purchased a new computer with XP, around one year ago, will be steered towards another new computer if they want Windows 7? Not an attractive recommendation.
• 
  Graham Perrin on 2009-08-06
  http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features/windows-easy-transfer

Page Comments

• 
  Graham Perrin on 2009-08-06
  No upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7!
  
  Shocking.

Would you like to comment?

Join Diigo for a free account, or sign in if you are already a member.